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Castillo put on waivers, awaits his fate

Castillo put on waivers, awaits his fate

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Jose Castillo would prefer to remain with the Marlins, but the 27-year-old third baseman knows the decision is out of his hands.

Castillo's status is up in the air after the Marlins placed him on waivers on Thursday. But just because a player is placed on waivers doesn't mean he automatically will leave the team.

There is a 72-hour window where a player placed on waivers can be claimed by another team or clear waivers. Even if he is claimed by another team, the Marlins could opt to pull him off waivers, and retain him.

After spending the previous four years with the Pirates, Castillo signed as a free agent for $650,000 with the Marlins on Dec. 24, 2007.

The Venezuelan native was brought in to compete for the starting third base job vacated after Miguel Cabrera was traded to the Tigers. He has been battling with Jorge Cantu, who entered Friday leading the National League in hits (22) in Spring Training.

Dallas McPherson was initially in the hunt for the starting job, but he's been hampered by injuries and is expected to open the year at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Castillo got off to a slow start at the plate, but has since picked things up and was batting .283 entering Friday, when he was in the starting lineup against the Astros.

"I'm a little surprised; I know before I wasn't hitting good," Castillo said on Friday morning. "I'm surprised that I was put on waivers. I don't know what my situation is right now. I'm working hard. I want to stay here."

If for some reason Castillo isn't with the Marlins or another MLB club when the season begins, he may have an option to play in Japan.

"Before I signed with the Marlins, two teams from Japan, I don't know their names, they called me and asked if I would play for them," Castillo said. "I'm 27 now. They have good players there, but I'm waiting for [the Marlins'] decision."